Germany 2020 Energy Policy Review
The International Energy Agency (IEA) regularly conducts in-depth peer reviews of
the energy policies of its member countries. This process supports energy policy development
and encourages the exchange of international best practices and experiences. The “Energiewende”
continues to be the defining feature of Germany’s energy policy landscape. In place
for nearly a decade, the Energiewende is a major plan for transforming the country’s
energy system to make it more efficient and supplied mainly by renewable sources.
The Energiewende is clearly visible in electricity generation, where it has increased
the share of renewables. Yet despite progress on lowering overall emissions, Germany
is struggling to meet its near-term emissions reduction targets, in large part because
of uneven progress across sectors. It faces notable challenges in transport and heating.
Now, the government must refocus its efforts to achieve stronger emissions reductions
in lagging sectors. A recently adopted climate action plan, which includes a carbon
price in the transport and heating sectors, represents an important step in the right
direction. In its energy transition so far, Germany has maintained a high degree of
oil, natural gas and electricity supply security. Planned nuclear and coal phase-outs
are set to increase the country’s reliance on natural gas, making it increasingly
important to continue efforts to diversify gas supply options, including through liquefied
natural gas imports. In this report, the IEA provides energy policy recommendations
to help Germany smoothly manage the transformation of its energy sector.
Published on February 26, 2020
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